Amid the intensifying fighting on the southern front of Donetsk region, the situation is becoming increasingly dire. According to military analyst Julian Repke from Bild, Russian forces are advancing, pushing Ukrainian troops further back. Repke believes that the Russian military is gaining new positions at a rate of up to 5 km per day, which could lead to the loss of strategically significant territories for Ukraine. If this pace continues, Russian forces could reach the Dnipropetrovsk region within six months.
The military expert attributes this situation to the insufficient support Ukraine is receiving from the West. “Instead of living in illusions, the West must admit that the current support is not enough, and it could lead to Ukraine losing the war before our eyes,” Repke said, stressing the need for immediate delivery of new weapons, ammunition, and the removal of restrictions on long-range strikes deep into Russian territory. He also calls for enhanced protection of Ukrainian airspace by NATO forces and the imposition of stronger sanctions on Russia and its allies.
Escalation on the Zaporizhzhia Front and Increased Russian Military Activity
In Zaporizhzhia, Russian forces managed to break through Ukrainian defenses near Levadne. Spokesperson for the Tavriya Defense Forces, Vladyslav Voloshyn, reported that the enemy carried out massed assault operations after regrouping, which led to partial success, pushing into Ukrainian defense lines to a depth of around a platoon-level stronghold. Ukrainian forces are conducting stabilization operations to restore positions and further protect the territory.
Russian Advances in Donetsk Region
According to analysts from the Deep State project, Russian troops have made further advances in several key areas of Donetsk region. They confirm the occupation of the cities of Horyn and Selydove, as well as the continued push towards Kramatorsk and the village of Vysokivka, located to the west of Donetsk. Over the past week, Russian forces have captured more territory than they did throughout the previous year. From October 20 to 27, Russia occupied an additional 196 square kilometers, particularly around Donetsk and Pokrovsk.
Russian Breakthroughs on the Southern Front and Challenges for Ukraine
Bloomberg estimates that, in recent months, Russian forces have captured over 1,146 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory. The strategic priorities of the Russian military are now focused on the cities of Pokrovsk and Kramatorsk in Donetsk region, which are vital for control of the region. Without increased international military support, such breakthroughs could significantly complicate the defense of these critical areas.
Julian Repke, along with other analysts, urges the West to consider new approaches to supporting Kyiv in order to prevent further Russian advances on Ukrainian soil.
For a deeper understanding of current international political issues, we recommend reading the article about U.S. President Joe Biden’s upcoming visit to Germany, where discussions on aid to Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East will take place: President Joe Biden to Visit Germany Next Week: Key Issues — Aid to Ukraine and the Middle East Conflict.